How are database relationships defined?

The definition of database relationships centers around the concept of associations between various entities within a database. In database design, entities represent real-world objects or concepts, such as patients, providers, or medications. Relationships define how these entities interact with or relate to each other, which is essential for structuring data accurately and ensuring that it can be accessed efficiently.

For example, in a healthcare database, you might have a patient entity and a treatment entity; the relationship could establish that a patient can undergo multiple treatments, illustrating a one-to-many relationship. This structural framework allows for organized data retrieval and manipulation, which enhances the database's overall functionality.

While other options mention connections or links in broader contexts, they don't encapsulate the specific nature of relationships within a database as accurately as the correct choice. Database relationships are distinct because they specifically relate to the organization of data within the database itself. This clarity in defining relationships helps users understand how to query the database and interpret the data effectively.